322 pages ; 20 cm

Despite President George W. Bush's assurances that Islam is a peaceful religion and that all good Muslims hunger for democracy, confusion persists and far too many Westerners remain convinced that Muslims and terrorists are synonymous." "In The Great Theft, Khaled Abou El Fadl, one of the world's preeminent Islamic scholars, argues that Islam is currently passing through a transformative period no less dramatic than the movements that swept through Europe during the Reformation. At this critical juncture there are two completely opposed worldviews within Islam competing to define this great world religion. The stakes have never been higher, and the future of the Muslim world hangs in the balance." "Drawing on the rich tradition of Islamic history and law, The Great Theft is an impassioned defense of Islam against the encroaching power of the extremists. As an accomplished Islamic jurist, Abou El Fadl roots his arguments in long-standing historical legal debates and delineates point by point the beliefs and practices of moderate Muslims, distinguishing these tenets from the corrupting influences of the extremists. From the role of women in Islam to the nature of jihad, from democracy and human rights to terrorism and warfare, Abou El Fadl builds a vital vision for a moderate Islam. At long last, the great majority of Muslims who oppose extremism have a desperately needed voice to help reclaim Islam's great moral tradition."--BOOK JACKET

Includes bibliographical references (pages 291-308) and index

Introduction -- Islam torn between extremism and moderation -- The roots of the problem -- The rise of the early puritans -- The story of contemporary puritans -- What all Muslims agree upon -- God and the purpose of creation -- The nature of law and morality -- Approaches to history and modernity -- Democracy and human rights -- Interacting with non-Muslims and salvation -- Jihad, warfare, and terrorism -- The nature and role of women -- Conclusion

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